Tomato wars: Indigo Rose takes on the heirloom

Heirloom tomatoes often steal the show in summer gardens, but every now and then a newer variety comes out that we just have to try, like the Indigo Rose. These tomatoes are not considered heirloom, but they are not GMO, either. The Indigo Rose was developed using conventional breeding techniques, where existing varieties were cross-pollinated and plants with desirable traits were selected. In the case of the Indigo Rose, breeders were looking to produce a tomato with high levels of the antioxidants known as anthocyanins. These chemicals have numerous health benefits and are believed to help prevent various forms of cancer. Anthocyanins are responsible for the dark purple pigment found in the Indigo Rose. Another great thing about this variety is that it is a more compact grower and more disease resistant than many of the larger heirloom-type tomatoes.

Post Title: Edible Highlight: Desert Delight nectarine

Post Date: April 24, 2015

The Desert Delight nectarine is one of the earliest varieties to ripen and a great choice for any San Diego garden or landscape. Many people do not realize that numerous varieties of peaches and nectarines can thrive in our temperate climate. Nectarines and peaches not only produce wonderful fruit, but they can also make beautiful specimen trees in ornamental and edible landscapes. The key to growing nectarines or peaches here in San Diego is selecting varieties that have low chill requirements. The chill requirements refer to the number of hours that are required for a deciduous tree to undergo proper dormancy over winter. Varieties with high chill requirements may not enter dormancy correctly if there is not enough cold weather. Trees that do not receive enough chill may not produce fruit and may eventually die.

Coastal parts of San Diego typically receive less than 300 hours of chill each winter. For more inland areas or low valleys, that number may increase to 300–500 hours. Happily, the Desert Delight nectarine needs only 100-200 chill hours, making it a great choice for nearly any part of San Diego!

Post Title: Veggie Highlight: Shelling Peas

Post Date: February 24, 2015

Most people are familiar with the mushy, flavorless green balls known as “peas” that are most often confined to the frozen-food section. What many people do not realize is that fresh peas can taste really good, are good for you, and are easy to grow.

Shelling peas are almost identical in appearance to the sugar pod or snap peas with which most gardeners are familiar, except shelling peas do not have an edible pod. Instead, shelling peas are grown for the sweet, plump peas that form inside the pod. They can be eaten fresh in salads, added to stir-fries, or used in any recipe where frozen peas are called for. Shelling peas are full of cancer-fighting antioxidants and are high in protein and fiber. Additionally, as with other pea plants, young shoots can also be harvested and eaten fresh or lightly sautéed. Peas enjoy cooler weather and are typically planted between September and March.

Post Title: Dorsett Golden apple

Post Date: July 1, 2014

This month’s plant highlight is the Dorsett Golden apple. This versatile apple is perfectly adapted to our Mediterranean climate and provides a long harvest season of large, sweet, crispy fruit. We have grown this tree successfully less than a mile off the beach and in all types of soil, from sand to clay. It’s not uncommon to be harvesting fruit off a single tree from May through August. As with other apples, this variety can easily be size-controlled with proper pruning and may be grown as an espalier where space is limited.